5 weeks Into Your Pregnancy

All About You | All About Your Baby | What Now?

During the fifth week, most women will just be finding out or questioning if they are pregnant. Their first period is missed and they may be experiencing some pregnancy symptoms.

All About You and Your Body!

Your period is late and you may have already taken a pregnancy test! You might find yourself more tired than usual and your trips to the bathroom keep increasing.

You might be a little moody this week (partners, you have been warned!) and suffer from bouts of heartburn and nausea. Your breasts might be sore and your back might be in need of a good rub (partners, this is your calling :D).

Emotionally, your mind might be racing through thoughts of impending parenthood or another baby to add to your crew. Worrying about potential problems, finances, etc... Try not to stress yourself out too much - hard, yes, we know.

All About Your Baby

Your baby is now an embryo, approximately 1.5 - 2.5 mm in length, pear shaped, and made of three layers.

The first layer is the "ectoderm" - don't worry, there won't be a test on this later. This layer will develop into the baby's nervous system; brain, spinal cord. It will also form the skin and the hair.

Another layer, the "mesoderm" will form the heart, kidneys, circulatory system, reproductive organs.

Lastly, there is the "endoderm", a tube that will form the liver, intestines, pancreas, and bladder.

It doesn't seem like there's a whole lot going on right now, but in the next few months, your baby will grow at an amazing rate!

What Should You Do Now?

Continue taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid.

Once you have taken a home pregnancy test that has turned positive, make an appointment with your doctor.

If you have missed your period, but have not had a positive pregnancy test, wait a week (we're sorry... We know how hard it is to wait) and make an appointment with your doctor to have a blood pregnancy test.